Moving from Houston to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$169/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9587
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350$1,250
per month
State tax
None6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,632 |
| $50K | $45,789 |
| $60K | $54,947 |
| $75K | $68,684 |
| $80K | $73,263 |
| $100K | $91,579 |
| $120K | $109,895 |
| $150K | $137,368 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Columbia
| Expense | Houston | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $357 | $361 |
| Transport | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $175 | $152 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,485 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Columbia could save roughly $169/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,028/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $68,684/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to HoustonHouston vs Columbia — full comparisonHouston cost of livingColumbia cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only